Emmanuel Uduaghan, husband of Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has confirmed that his wife confided in him about her interactions with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In a statement on Saturday, Uduaghan, a traditional chief of Warri Kingdom, said he initially handled the matter with diplomacy and respect, believing Akpabio to be a family friend.
“My wife has confided in me about her interactions with the Senate President, whom I considered a family friend.
“In response, I approached the matter with the utmost maturity and responsibility, as it is my duty as a traditional leader who has immense respect for constituted authority and upholds core family values, foster peace and harmony,” he said.
He explained that he met with Akpabio privately, urging him to extend the courtesy and respect due to his wife as a sitting senator.
“I personally met with the Senate President and respectfully urged him to extend the courtesy and respect my wife deserves, while also honouring the friendship between us. We reached an understanding and agreed to resolve the issue amicably,” he said.
However, despite this agreement, Uduaghan noted that his wife continued to express concerns about harassment from Akpabio, indicating that the matter remained unresolved.
“However, despite this agreement, my wife continues to express concerns about the harassment she has endured from the Senate President,” he added.
His statement follows allegations by Akpoti-Uduaghan in an interview with Arise Television on Friday.
She claimed that during a visit to Akpabio’s residence in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on December 8, 2023, he took her by the hand, led her around his house, and made sexual advances toward her in the presence of her husband.
She further alleged that on another occasion, Akpabio suggested she should “take care of him” if she wanted her motions to receive favourable consideration in the Senate.
Akpabio’s wife, Ekaette, denied the allegations and has filed two defamation lawsuits against Akpoti-Uduaghan, demanding N350 billion in damages for her husband’s reputation.
Following the allegations, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure an independent and transparent investigation.
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki also advised Akpabio to submit himself for an open probe to ensure fairness and transparency.
Despite the controversy, Uduaghan reaffirmed his trust in his wife and his commitment to their marriage.
“I have unwavering faith in my wife’s loyalty and am fully committed to our marriage, which is grounded in love, compassion, and mutual respect. I would never trade her for anything, as she is the greatest joy of my life,” he said.
He called on the Senate to treat his wife with the respect and dignity she deserves while allowing the relevant authorities and courts to determine the facts of the matter.
“I now respectfully urge the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Senate President to treat my beloved wife with the respect and dignity she truly deserves while the relevant authorities and the court determine the underlying issues,” he stated.
Uduaghan also criticised unnecessary sentiments being stirred around the issue, which he said were distracting from the real allegations.
“It is clear that certain sentiments are being stirred up unnecessarily, distracting from the serious underlying allegations, which should concern every discerning individual with sound family values,” he said.
He emphasised that his wife was elected because of the trust and confidence the people of Kogi Central have in her leadership.
“Without prejudice to the ongoing legal proceedings, I wish to emphasise that my wife was duly elected by her people due to the immense love, respect, and confidence they have in her, and she is committed to delivering quality representation to her district and the nation at large.
“She is a devoted wife, and the bond we share is deep and unwavering. She has always remained truthful, even in the face of adversity,” Uduaghan said.
